As politicians prepare to vote on the re-approval of glyphosate on Wednesday (13 April), Farmers Weekly is calling on UK growers to speak out on what the loss of the world’s most widely used herbicide would mean for them.

MEPs from all EU member states will gather in the European Parliament to vote on the routine licence re-approval of glyphosate, an active ingredient in a wide range of agrochemical products including Roundup.

It is an essential tool used in growers’ fight against yield-robbing weeds such as blackgrass, and is also used for crop desiccation before harvest.

See also: Glyphosate licence renewal faces further delays

The chemical has caught the attention of the public and politicians after the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that glyphosate is “probably carcinogenic to humans” last year. 

The European Parliament vote was deferred in March because of a difference of scientific opinion as to whether glyphosate is carcinogenic or not, after the European Food Safety Authority (Efsa) declared the product was safe.

The final decision on glyphosate’s licence renewal rests with the European Commission, not the European Parliament, which means this vote is not legally binding.

However, it may reveal the political mood towards the continued use of products containing the world’s most popular active ingredient.

Growers are being urged by the NFU to contact their MEPs explaining the importance of glyphosate to thier farm business.

You can tell Farmers Weekly what impact the loss of glyphosate would mean for you and crop production on your farm.

Tweet @FarmersWeekly, or contact Oli Hill by emailing oli.hill@rbi.co.uk or call 07881 803 480 to make your voice heard.